Contributed by Angela Cleveland

The warm summer days are approaching, and with them, comes the love/hate relationship that many people have with the sun. Some people are afraid of the sun and avoid it at all times, while others ignore the warnings and spend hours basking in it. So how do we decide? Here are some tidbits about sun exposure:

Sunshine as our Friend

Exposure to sunlight is the most efficient source of vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiencies are associated with rickets and osteoporosis. Sunlight is also an effective treatment for S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder), which is caused by the low light levels of winter. Sunlight has also been known to help with sleep disorders, reduce P.M.S symptoms, and treat psoriasis.

Sunshine as our Foe

It is well known that the effects of excessive sun exposure, especially with young children, can result in skin cancer. The Canadian Dermatology Association estimates that 75,000 Canadians develop skin cancer each year. To reduce the chances of over-exposure, there are a few important points to remember. The first is to reduce exposure between 11am and 4pm from April to October. Remember that the skin doesn’t have to feel hot to burn, so don’t be fooled by cloudy or overcast weather. Also, remember that water, snow, sand, and concrete can reflect and increase the sun’s rays. Finally, 80% of skin cancers occur above the neck – protect your head with a hat and sunscreen!

The key to sun exposure, as with many things, is moderation. However, no matter how hard we try, there may be times when we are not able to get out of the sun, we forgot to put on sunscreen, or didn’t realize the sun’s strength. Here are some recipes, using common household ingredients, for treatment of mild sunburns. For more severe sunburns (those with blisters or red and white streaking), please contact your doctor or other healthcare provider.

Home Remedies

To cool sunburned skin, apply a pad dipped in cool milk (cow’s milk) directly at the site of the burn. Apply the compress for 15-20 minutes and repeat every 2-4 hours. A little fresh cream can also be applied on the sunburned skin.

For another cooling alternative, try an oatmeal pack made by cooking oatmeal and cooling it in the refrigerator. Apply the mixture to the sunburned area. Rinse off when finished.

For another soothing home remedy, boil lettuce leaves in water, strain and cool the liquid for several hours in the refrigerator. Dip cotton balls into the liquid and gently press or stroke on the irritated skin.

To relieve the pain of a sunburn, cut a raw potato in half and spread the juice over the sunburned area to cool and relieve the pain. Wait until it dries and then take a cool shower. Use as often as needed.

Herbal remedies for sunburns: add two to three drops of lavender essential oil to a teaspoon of oil (olive oil or canola oil from the kitchen works fine). Smooth over sunburned area. Also try sponging chamomile tea onto the affected area.

Relief for Children
Here is a mild hydrating herbal spray for children to help relieve the pain of sunburn. This effective formula can even be used on infants.

Soothing Spray

1/4 cup distilled water
1/4 cup store-bought aloe vera juice (not gel)
5 drops lavender angustifolia, calendula, or German chamomile essential oil (available in most health food stores)

Combine ingredients in a small spray bottle and shake well before each use. Spray directly onto sunburned skin as often as necessary to ease pain and help prevent peeling. Do not spray directly into eyes. This formula can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 6 months or on your bathroom counter for 2-4 weeks.

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